HII celebrates first meal aboard Virginia-class submarine New Jersey HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division moved anotherstep closertoward deliveryofVirginia-class submarine NewJersey(SSN 796) to the U.S.Navy when the first mealwas recentlyserved aboard the nuclear-powered fast attacksubmarine. PageA2
ByMC2JosephT.Miller
NORFOLK,Va NavalStation(NAVSTA)
Norfolkhostedthe2023NavyWorldSeries ThrowbackSoftballGameatMcClureField June30,2023.
Pre-game activities kicked off at 11 a.m. andwerefollowedbythefirstpitchat12p.m.
The Navy World Series Throwback SoftballGamecommemoratesthe80thanniversaryofthe1943NavyWorldSeriesBaseball games, which pitted the Naval Training Station Blue Jackets against the Naval Air StationAirmen.
This historic series ran for seven games andfeaturedalineupofsomeofthebiggest Major League Baseball players of the time including Phil Rizzuto Pee Wee Reese Dominic DiMaggio, Bob Feller and Eddie Robinson. The games all took place in the storied McClure field named for Capt. Henry McClure the commanding officer at thetimeoftheseries
Originally built in 1918 as an all-purpose athletics field, McClure Field was rebuilt and opened as a baseball stadium on June 12 1920, making it the second oldest brickbuiltbaseballstadiumintheUnitedStates It gaineditsmodernnameafterCapt.McClure
declared the Navy World Series a success andheavilypromotedtheplayingofbaseball asagreatwaytoboostSailormorale.
However,theexcitementandimportance of the original Navy World Series was not viewable to the general public and press of
thetime Thiswasduetothethreatofhostile GermanU-boatsreportedtobeoffthecoast, causingtheentirebasetobecloseddownto anyoneexcepttheSailorswhoworkedthere. Thisclosingoffledtoonlyashortthreeparagraph article on the game in the New York Timesdespitethepresenceoffamousbaseballplayers
While the series may be lesser known to the public, the Morale, Recreation and Welfare (MWR) personnel and Sailors on NavalStationNorfolkkeepitsmemoryalive eachyearwithatributesoftballgame
“Naval Station Norfolk is entrenched in history and heritage, and this annual event payshomagetothat,”saidCapt.JanetDays, NavalStationNorfolk’scommandingofficer. “We look forward to this event every year where we can celebrate this historic field and the Major League Baseball players that playedthere80yearsago!”
After six innings, the Naval Air Station Airmen finally scored the first run and continued on the streak. Each team played hard going toe-to-toe and in the end the NavalAirStationAirmendefeatedtheNaval TrainingStationBlueJacketswithascoreof sixtothree.
Chase Becton, powered support systems mechanic in the Fleet Readiness CenterEast (FRCE) ground support shop, performs preventive maintenance on a hydraulic test stand.
thatsupportaircraftproductioneffortsatthedepot
FRCE’s Ground Support Branch is responsible for maintaining andrepairingmorethan2,000itemsofgroundsupportequipment necessary for operations for FRCE’s main facility at Marine Corps AirStation(MCAS)CherryPointanddetachmentslocatedatMCAS New River, the North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston, and MCASBeaufort,SouthCarolina
Dependablegroundsupportequipmentisakeyfactorinsuccessful aircraft maintenance efforts, said Don McLean, overhaul and repairsupervisoronFRCE’sV-22Ospreyproductionline.
“Work platforms and stands allow us to do our jobs safely and we need test equipment to perform functional tests on aircraft, “McLeansaid “Wecan’tdowhatwedowithouttheequipmentand
FRCE’s Ground Support Branch repairs and maintains more than 2,000 items ofsupport equipment including aircraft safety stands,powered transportation and test equipment and electric carts.(PHOTO BYKIMBERLYKOONCE, FLEETREADINESS CENTEREAST)
Mount Trashmore Park
Approximately 40 Sailors started the morning with group warm-up exercises before beginning to run around the park’s perimeter.The event focused on comradery among Sailors and their Chiefs while promoting physical fitness. PageA5
ByHII
(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) HII’s (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division moved another step closer toward delivery of Virginia-classsubmarineNewJersey(SSN796)totheU.S. Navy when the first meal was recently served aboard the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine NewJerseyiscurrentlypiersideatNNSandisinthefinal stages of construction and testing
NEWPORT NEWS Va July 05 2023
Tocelebratethefirstmeal,thecrewwelcomedtheship’s sponsor Susan DiMarco who is a New Jersey resident, retired dentist and the wife of former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson to dine with them. The menu includedsomeofthecrew’svotedfavorites,suchasbarbeque brisket, baked catfish, cornbread, accompanying side dishes and coveted “hard pack” ice cream.
“The first meal is a meaningful milestone in the submarine’sconstructionasitrepresentsthestartofwhatwillbe thousandsofmealsservedaboardNewJerseyasthecrew preparestobringherintothefleet,”saidJasonWard,NNS vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction. “We understand the important mission ahead for New Jerseyandwelookforwardtodeliveringthiscriticalasset in service of the nation.
“It’srefreshingtoseethecrewtransitiontoworkingand eating onboard as we achieve the first step in bringing the ship to life,” said Cmdr Steve Halle, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. “We are excited to share this milestone with our sponsor, Susan, her son, and some commissioningmembersaswegrowourrelationshipwith the state of New Jersey.”
New Jersey was christened in November 2021 at NNS.
It is the first submarine designed with modifications for genderintegration.Followingsuccessfulseatrialslaterthis year,NewJerseywillbethe11thVirginia-classsubmarine delivered by NNS.
NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing andbuildingnuclear-poweredsubmarinesfortheU.S.Navy
About HII: HIIisaglobal,all-domaindefenseprovider
HII’smissionistodelivertheworld’smostpowerfulships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating theadvantageforourcustomerstoprotectpeaceandfreedom around the world. As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a
morethan135-yearhistoryofadvancingU.S.nationalsecurity,HIIdeliverscriticalcapabilitiesextendingfromships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 43,000 strong
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If you aren’t familiar with Move Over, it is a law that currently requires drivers to change lanes and proceed with caution, if possible whenpassingemergencyvehicles and law enforcement vehicles displaying red or blue flashing lights and utility tow, and roadside assistance trucks displaying amber flashing lights on the roadside,
according to AAA
Thechange,effectiveJuly1,expandsthis protectiontoanystationaryvehicledisplaying hazard lights, warning signs (like an emergency triangle), or flares, AAA said. An example of a situation like this might beadriverwhopullsovertothesideofthe road to fix a flat tire.
Virginia law (§ 46.2-921.1) states that “uponapproachingastationaryvehiclethat
is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating blue, red or amber light or lights,” drivers shall:
“Onahighwayhaving at leastfour lanes, at least two of which are intended for traffic proceeding as the approaching vehicle, proceed with caution and, if reasonable withdueregardforsafetyandtrafficconditions, yield the right of way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the
stationary vehicle or,
“If changing lanes would be unreasonable or unsafe, proceed with due caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.”
A single violation of the “Move Over” law is punishable as a traffic infraction. #moveroverslowdownva
ByPettyOfficer2ndClass
DustinKnight
USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28)
NORFOLK In a time-honored tradition, Capt. James A. Quaresimo the first commandingofficerofUSSFortLauderdale (LPD28),wasrelievedbyCapt.GillMcCarthyduringachangeofcommandceremony attendedbyNavyleadership,family,friends and the crew aboard the ship while in port NavalStationNorfolk,Friday,July7.
Quaresimo, a native of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, became Fort Lauderdale’s first commanding officer after assuming command in September 2020 He led USS Fort Lauderdale through the ship’s delivery, commissioning, and post-delivery tests andtrials.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be the first commanding officer of the Mighty USS Fort Lauderdale.” Quaresimosaid Duringtheceremony,Quaresimothanked thecrewfortheirhardwork,dedicationand
service to their country during his time as commandingofficer
“Made of saltwater and excellence, the SailorsandMarinesaboardFortLauderdale representthebestournationhastoofferand Iamhonoredtohavehadtheopportunityto servewiththem.”saidQuaresimo
Also during Quaresimo’s tenure, he led members of the crew on visits to the ships namesake city on many occasions, working withtheciviliancommissioningcommittee to build strong bonds in with the city and itscitizens “Wecannotoverstatejusthowmuchthat means to us to know that we are associated withallofthegreatcitizensofthecityofFort Lauderdale,”Quaresimosaid “Thecommissioningwasamazingduetothehardworkof the commissioning committee. Thank you for your dedication to our great Navy and Nation We truly are forever bonded to all ofyou.”
McCarthy, a native of Templeton, Massachusetts, completed executive and commanding officer tours aboard USS
Russell (DDG 59) prior to assuming duty as USSFortLauderdale’scommandingofficer.
“It is clear to me what an amazing job
Capt Quaresimo has done cultivating the professionalism of this crew,” said McCarthy. “I am humbled to join a team as proficient and professional as the crew of USS FortLauderdale!
TheHonorableMeredithBerger,Assistant SecretaryoftheNavy(Energy,Installations, and Environment) and Fort Lauderdale’s ship sponsor, served as the ceremony’s key notespeakerandspokehighlyoftheship,its crewandCapt.Quaresimo
“Capt. Quaresimo has displayed exceptional leadership as the first commanding officer of the Mighty USS Fort Lauderdale His dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the successful delivery, commissioning,andearlyoperationsofthis remarkable ship,” said Berger “I am confident that Capt. McCarthy will continue to builduponthisstrongfoundationasheleads theUSSFortLauderdale Astheship’ssponsor,Iamproudtobeassociatedwithsucha
talented crew and to witness the extraordinaryaccomplishmentsofthisvessel.”
FortLauderdaleisthetwelfthFlightISan Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship of the United States Navy and the first to be named for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fort Lauderdale is a warship designed to embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionarywarfaremissions
LPDs are used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) augmented by helicopters or vertical takeoffandlandingaircraft(MV22).Theseships support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and serve as secondary aviation platforms foramphibiousoperations
For more news on USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) visit https://www.facebook.com/ FORTLAUDERDALELPD28
ByCommander,NavalAirForce Atlantic
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va A group of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) Sailors laced up their sneakers for a morning of physical fitness for a Chief’s MesscoordinatedFunRunatMountTrashmoreParkonJune30
Approximately 40 Sailors were in attendanceforthisevent.TheSailorsstartedthe morning with group warm-up exercises
before beginning to run around the park’s perimeter The event focused on comradery among Sailors and their Chiefs while promotingphysicalfitness
“[I enjoy] being able to get out of the office and build relationships with people inmydivision,”saidYeoman2ndClassKris McCracken.
The run started on the east side of the park, looped around Lake Trashmore, and finished on top of Mount Trashmore. In total, the group ran approximately two
miles Sailors families and dogs were even present for the run enhancing the morning ofconnectivity
“The important stuff couldn’t happen withouteachandeveryoneofyou[Sailors],” said CNAL Force Master Chief (FORCM) Jimmy W. Hailey III to the group after completingtherun “Don’tforgetthat.”
Hailey concluded the event by thanking the attendees for being there and encouraging them to enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend.
CNAL is responsible for seven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 54
and the support we get from the Ground SupportBranch.”
Ensuring the equipment remains functional keeps the shop busy This year alone, theGroundSupportBranchisscheduledto performmorethan5,000preventivemaintenanceoperationstokeepthedepot’sground supportequipmentinworkingorder
“In this shop, there’s a lot of variety in the equipmentweservice Wemaintainairconditioning equipment, diesel and gas engines, generators, forklifts, carts used to transport partsthroughoutthefacility,aircraftmaintenance tools and test equipment you name it,” said Tim Washburn, ground support supervisor at FRCE “The common factor is thatallthisequipmentisessentialforaircraft maintenanceoperations.”
The small shop is staffed during all shifts at the facility to ensure that equipment is ready for production work. One mechanic travels between FRCE’s detachments each week to avoid transporting equipment to CherryPointforservicing
“We provide regular on-site support to ensure the work continues,” said Washburn. “If our mechanic can fix a problem there without sending the equipment back toFRCEastatCherryPoint,itsavestimeand keepstheequipmentinservice.”
The shop also provides cranes and operators to FRCE and its detachments, to lift aircraft for transport or remove large components from aircraft. Two mechanics maintain all the straps and slings used for liftingoperations “We are responsible for equipment used inmostshopswithinthedepot, Washburn added “If work slows down in one shop, it affectstheentireproductionline.
FRCE’s Facility and Plant Maintenance ServicesDivisionisresponsibleforkeeping trackofwhenequipmentisdueforpreventive maintenance Equipment is scheduled on a yearly basis but sometimes that plan has to shift to avoid backlogs in the ground supportshop.
“We have to ensure that our preventive maintenance doesn’t create bottlenecks in production,”saidMichaelLyon,equipment and facility services specialist. “That’s why we have to be flexible and move schedules around to balance maintenance with workloadrequirements.”
The addition of next-generation aircraft
like the F-35 Lightning II and the CH-53K King Stallion to the depot’s workload creates new challenges for support equipment maintainers Most of the support equipmentfortheseplatformsisspecificto the aircraft and is provided by the aircraft manufacturer Equipment that requires major repairs will be sent to the manufacturer, but the ground support team will be instrumentalinprovidingpreventivemaintenancetothistechnicallyadvancedequipment.Thismeansthatmechanicsneedtobe trained and licensed to maintain these new supportitems.
“We’ll get new gear that doesn’t exist anywhere else on the base, and we have to send people out to learn to use that gear,” said Marshel Patterson, F-35 logistics manager at FRCE. “They receive training with the Marines that can provide on-thejobtraining,thenteacheveryoneelsetouse theequipment.”
New platforms like the CH-53K will also bringnewsupportequipmentchallengesto the shop, because the support equipment that fits the CH-53E will not fit the larger Kmodel.
“Weweretoldtolookatitlikeacompletely different aircraft,” said David Thorpe, H-53 Branch head at FRCE. “It’s a completely differentbeastthanthelastgeneration,and itwillbringnewchallengestosupport.
SupportequipmentmechanicsinFRCE’s GroundSupportBrancharelookingforward totheopportunitytosupportthenewtechnologies, according to Clinton Hall, lead mechanic for F-35 ground support equipmentatFRCE.
“SinceIstartedingroundsupport,thejob hasgottenmoretechnical,morefocusedon electronics,” said Hall. “I really enjoy the challengeoflearningtotroubleshootanew system. For a ground support mechanic, there’s nothing better than putting your handsontheequipment,figuringoutwhat’s wrong and fixing it. When I find a new problem and can solve it so the equipment workslikeit’ssupposedto,IreallyfeellikeI accomplished something. I played a part in supportingthefleet.”
FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioningasanintegralpartofthegreater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; andCommander FleetReadinessCenters
BearySpear powered support systems mechanic in the Fleet Readiness CenterEast (FRCE) ground support shop drains fluid from an aircraft jack.Thisyear mechanics in the Ground Support Branch are scheduled to perform more than 5,000 preventive maintenance operations on more than 2,000 items ofequipment Mechanics checkbearings,change fluids and perform othermaintenance operations,aswell as anynecessaryrepairs to safetystands, powered test and transportation equipment and electric carts.(PHOTOBYKIMBERLYKOONCE, FLEETREADINESSCENTEREAST)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two
Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 6 welcomed its newest leader during a change-of-command ceremonyJune29,2023 Cmdr Ryan Schippert relieved Cmdr Leslie Slootmaker as commanding officer of EODMU 6, also known as the “Kegbusters,” infrontofSailors,familyandfriendsatMacArthurCenterinNorfolk, Virginia.
Capt. Karl Haywood, commodore, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group(EODGRU)2,wastheguestspeakerfortheceremony
“A change of command ceremony serves several purposes,” said Haywood. “It provides us an opportunity to bid farewell to an outstandingleader;itallowsustoofficiallywelcomeanewcommandingofficerandtheirfamilytotheteam;butmostimportantly,itallows ustostopandreflectonthesuccessofEODMU6andtocelebratethe bravemenandwomenwhocontributeonadailybasistoitslegacy.”
ThechangeofcommandceremonyisaNavaltraditionthatmarks thecompletetransferofresponsibilityasacommandingofficerfrom one individual to another The ceremony included the “reading of orders”tosignifythistransferofauthority.
Prior to the reading of orders, Slootmaker gave farewell remarks and highlighted the effectiveness and cohesion of the Sailors of EODMU6.
“Our command’s ability to operate at such a high level on deployment,duringtraining,exercises,andoperations,startswithatalented Chief’s Mess and wardroom, and extends throughout every junior Sailor,” said Slootmaker “You followed and led without waiver, and you held each other accountable. Thank you for continuing our legacy.”
After the reading orders, Schippert addressed the crew for the firsttimeas
commandingofficer
“TotheKegbustersofMobileUnit6-youhavecontinuedtobuild an unparalleled history of operational excellence in support of the FleetandJointForce,”saidSchippert.“Iamhumbledandexcitedto extendourlegacyintothefuture.”
EODMU 6 is homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) LittleCreekunderEODGRU2.EODMU6providesNavalexplosive ordnance disposal forces that are combat-ready rapidly deployable aroundtheworldtoenabletheU.S.NavyandJointforce
VIRGINIA BEACH,Virginia (Jun. 29 2023) – Cmdr Ryan Schippert, commander Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 6, addresses EODMU 6 Sailors and guests for the first time as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony at MacArthur Center in Norfolk,VirginiaJun. 29, 2023 EODMU 6 is located atJoint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story under Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, and provides Naval explosive ordnance disposal forces that are combat-ready rapidly deployable
ByNavalFacilitiesEngineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic NORFOLK, Va Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) awarded Coastal Enterprises of Jacksonville Inc., Jacksonville North Carolina, a $14,339,395 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantitycontractforcustodialservices for Naval Medical Regional Trauma Center (NMRTC), located at Marine Corps Base
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina The work will provide custodial services at: NMTRC, base medical and dental clinics, and the WoundedWarriorscomplex.
WorkwillbeperformedsolelyinJacksonville,NorthCarolina.
The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years is $74,798,826 Fiscalyear(FY)2023operation and maintenance (Defense Health Agency) fundsintheamountof$14,339,395wasobligatedviarecurringworktaskorderissuedat
time of award and will expire at the end of thecurrentFY Serviceswereprocureddirectlyfromthe procurement list with AbilityOne under Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 8. NAVFAC MIDLANT is the contracting activity(N40085-23-D-0065).
NAVFAC MIDLANT provides facilities engineering publicworksandenvironmental products and services across an area of responsibility that spans from South Carolina to Maine, and as far west as Michigan,
anddowntoIndiana.Asanintegralmember of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, NAVFAC MIDLANT provides leadership through the Regional Engineer organizationtoensuretheregion’sfacilities and infrastructure are managed efficiently andeffectively
For additional information about NAVFACMIDLANTonsocialmedia,follow ouractivitiesonFacebookatwww.facebook. com/navfacmidatlanticandonInstagram@ navfacmidatlantic
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
“Nothing goes as planned, even when you go in with a plan. Everything changes whether that’s on our end or above us,” said Mission Analysis Branch head Kendra Miller of the Warfare Analysis and Digital Modeling Department. “That is always a challenge.”
Miller had the opportunity to travel to Alaska for Northern Edge 2023 along with ateamofscientists,engineersandcomputer analysts Theteam,comprisedofpersonnel both on-site and at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), conducted operational assessments on selected experiments and prototypes significantly increasing the exercise’s capabilityandoutcome
Northern Edge is a multi-domain biennialjointtrainingexercisedesignedtoproperlyassess,developandtestprototypesinan environmentthatallowsdatatobecollected
Thefieldtrainingexerciseprovidestheenvironment to practice tactics, techniques and procedures and to explore new capabilities thatcouldpotentiallybenefitthewarfighter, while also exposing the operators to those capabilities The team worked with the prototypes to understand how they would be assessed, whatmeasuresandobjectiveswouldbeused andwhatdataneededcollectinginthefield. Theteamalsocollaboratedheavilywiththe reach-back team located at NSWCDD to provide in-stride analysis and deliverables duringthetwo-weekexercise.
Miller also served as the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD), Research and Engineering Mission Capabilities and Prototyping Experimentation Assessments lead. “I enjoy becoming moreengagedwiththecapabilitiesthatour warfighters are going to get,” Miller said. “Supporting the warfighter is very close to myheart.”
Aftermonthsofintenseanddetailedplanning, the exercise ran from May 8-19 The exercise was conducted at the Joint Pacific-AlaskaRangeComplexandintheGulfof Alaska. Approximately a dozen NSWCDD employeesassistedwiththeexerciseatJoint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, EielsonAirForceBaseinFairbanksandalso inKodiak
“For the capabilities there is no other environmentthatwecantestthemintosee their impact to kill chains in an operational environment,” Miller said “So we take the prototypes out to the exercise and assess how well they are going to do their job and potentiallymakerecommendationsfortransitiontothewarfighter.”
During Northern Edge 2023 the United StatesArmedForceswerejoinedbymilitary unitsfromtheUnitedKingdomandAustralia.Thousandsofindividualsassistedinthe massiveexercise
A major component included the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER)
program established by Deputy Secretary ofDefenseDr KathleenHicks RDERfacilitatesrapidinnovationandexperimentation throughmulti-componentcoordinationand cooperation.
NSWCDD provided the only reach-back lab for OUSD The team monitored exercise operations through various live feeds, processeddatacollectedduringtheexercise andprovidedin-strideanalysisdaily.
Miller said several improvements were made in communication with the reachback lab compared to two years ago She added that efforts are still being made to identify other areas of improvement and additionalcapabilities.
“The growth and maturity from our employees has been amazing,” Miller said. “They are jumping right in the middle of it all,askingquestionsandveryquicklybecomingthesubjectmatterexperts.Thatisprobablythebiggestthingforme watchingour teamgrowandprosperinthisenvironment.”
around the world to enable the U.S. Navy and Joint forces access to the maritime domain and operate anytime, anywhere. (U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYLT BRITTANY STEPHENS//RELEASED)
ByPettyOfficer2ndClass
SamanthaOblander
Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15
PHILIPPINE SEA A Jacksonville Illinois native and 2018 graduate of Jacksonville High School is serving aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS JohnFinn(DDG113).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Madison Rafferty is a gunner’s mate, also known as a GM, servingaboardUSSJohnFinn,forward-deployedtoCommander,FleetActivitiesYokosuka,Japan.
ShesaidshejoinedtheNavybecauseafter researching colleges and “spending hours writing and rewriting application essays” she decided she “wasn’t motivated to do college”afterhighschool.
“Several of my friends had enlisted, and it was a window that had opened to me,” Raffertysaid.“Onedaywhentherecruiters were at school, I stopped by to talk to them and from there it was just a done deal. This wasthepathIwassupposedtogoon.”
First established in 1794, the rate of gunner’s mate is one of the Navy’s original ratings.Ofthe11ratesthatwereestablished bytheNavalActof1794,sixstillexisttothis day.
“A gunner’s mate is someone who maintains the weapons on the ship Multiple differentweaponsystemsmaintainingfrom smallarmstomissiles,”saidRafferty “Ihave somanypeopleaskmeallthetimewhencan theygetonagunshoot,whenarewelaunching missiles, because it honestly does boost some morale We are the ones that essentially will end up protecting the ship at the endoftheday.”
Raffertystruggledtodecidewhatthebest
partofherjobis
“Actually getting to fire the weapons is pretty fun in itself, but I also love teaching other people,” said Rafferty. “Some people comeinhavingnevertouchedaweapon,and they are terrified I honestly love being able to teach someone the ins and outs about a weapon or system to the point where they becomecomfortableenoughtounderstand everything Honestly,it’shardtochoosemy favoritepartofthejob.”
USS John Finn was commissioned on July 15, 2013 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and
was named after Lt John Finn, the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor during World War II, who was awarded for “extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and devotion beyond the call of duty.” During the first attack on Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay on December 7, 1941, Finn secured and manned a .50 caliber machine gun in an exposed section of the parking ramp which was under heavy fire. Despite being wounded several times, Finn continuedtomanthisgunandreturnenemy fire until ordered to seek medical treat-
ment. After receiving first-aidtreatmenthe returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Finn inspired those around him to keep up the fight, and much like Finn, Rafferty also wantstoinspirethosearoundher.
“I hope to inspire people to just keep going,” said Rafferty “Going into the military, there were plenty of people that told me I shouldn’t do it because I’m a woman, or that ‘You’ll never make it.’ Here I am five yearslater,makingit.Theamountofthings people tell you you cannot do is ridiculous. So I hope to inspire people to forget all the negative things people say to you or about you, and strive for what you want and don’t letanyonetellyouanythingdifferent.”
John Finn recently from its homeport in San Diego to being forward-deployed to Yokosukaanddespitesomeinitialhesitation, Raffertyistakingitallinstride
“I’ll be honest, I was very much against doingahomeportshiftatthebeginningofall this,” said Rafferty “Since coming to Japan, I’ve learned to like it. There are so many more opportunities that I was unaware of Not to mention, the history and all the temples and monuments you can go visit. Getting to explore is honestly my favorite thingaboutit Thenewfoodsandsnacksare anaddedbonusaswell.”
The Navy was established on October 13, 1775 and while many things have changed in the nearly 250 years since there are elementsofthepastthatstillexistintoday’s Navy Support from family is one of the things that can make serving in the military easier, and you can travel the world.
TurntoJacksonvillenative, Page 5
ByU.S.NavalForcesSouthern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet CARTAGENA,Colombia U.S.Navyand MarineforcesaresettoarriveinCartagena in support of UNITAS LXIV the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the world, scheduled to start July11,2023
The Colombian navy will host this year’s UNITAS, which will feature 26 warships/ vessels, three submarines, 25 aircraft (fixed wing/helicopter) andapproximately7,000 peoplefrom20 partner nations Forces will conduct training operations off the coast of Cartagena,Colombia,andashoreinCovenas and Barranquilla, Colombia, through July 21.Thisyearmarksthe64thiterationofthe exercise Additionally, this year Colombia will celebrate the bicentennial of its navy, a historical milestone commemorating 200 yearsofthecountry’smaritimeforces
“UNITAS is so much more than a two weekexercise Allparticipatingnationshave given much time energy and effort into the months of planning leading up to what will beoneofthemostcomplexUNITAStodate,” said Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S
4th Fleet. “Utilizing air, surface, sub-surface, and unmanned assets, and land units, UNITAS will provide the multinational force a challenging environment in which toconducttrainingacrossthefullspectrum of maritime operations UNITAS strengthensmaritimepartnerships,enhancesproficiency and improves interoperability of the participating forces, which is why so many partnernationsaretakingpartthisyear.”
As part of the U.S. Navy’s future hybrid fleet, the Chief of Naval Operations has tasked U.S. 4th Fleet to scale unmanned platforms to the fleet level. An addition to this year’s UNITAS will include the integratedoperationsofunmannedair,surface, and subsurface systems into the exercise. UNITAS’ challenging training address key aspectsofmultinationalandcombinedoperations such as technology standardization andcommonoperatingprocedures
“This is our first opportunity to integrate unmanned systems into our operations at sea,” said Rear Adm. Aiken. “UNITAS has often served as a test bed for technology, so it is appropriate that we begin our unmanned integration campaign to oper-
ByPettyOfficer2ndClass
SamanthaOblander
Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15 SAIPAN Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands The Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) departed Saipan, CommonwealthoftheNorthernMarianaIslands,after ascheduledportvisit,July6.
Theportvisitprovidedanopportunityfor the crew of John Finn to enjoy the culture and represent the U.S. Navy’s commitment tosecuritypresenceinthePacific
“Saipan was a perfect location for the hard-working Sailors of USS John Finn to enjoytheJuly4thholiday, saidCapt.Walter Mainor, commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 “Destroyer Squadron 15 and John Finn want to extend our deep appreciationforthewarmwelcomeandgreathospitality our Sailors received here. The islands
provide an important regional base for our forcesoperatingacrossthePacific Portvisits likethisonehelpextendourreachandhighlight our commitment to strategic presence intheregion.”
Duringtheportvisit,JohnFinnSailorshad anopportunitytoexperiencethehospitality richhistoryandallthatSaipanhastooffer
“This port visit is a tremendous opportunity for the John Finn crew to express strategic presence in the region, celebrate Liberation Day and highlight the value of Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands for our forward-deployed units,” said Cmdr Matthew Hays commanding officer of USS JohnFinn.“Thislocationiskeyforourteam as we replenish resources and continue operations to promote peace and stability throughouttheIndo-Pacificregion.”
Over the course of the port visit, the crew welcomed Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander, Joint Region Marianas and Lt
Gov.DavidAtapangandGov.ArnoldPalacios oftheCommonwealthoftheNorthernMariana Islands aboard John Finn, conducted a cleanup of American Memorial Park, and marchedinSaipan’sLiberationDayparade
John Finn is forward-deployed to Commander Task Force 71, U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region CTF 71 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrativeresponsibilitiesforforward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independentoperationsintheregion.Navy’s 7thFleetisthelargestforward-deployedfleet and routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritimenationswhileconductingmissions topreserveandprotectcriticalregionalpartnerships.
Q: Whattypesoffamily housingareavailable?
A: There are three types of housing available to families:
Public/PrivateVenture(PPV)
Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy
The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible forthe construction, renovation,maintenance and day-to-day management ofthe housing PPVhousing may be located on oroffgovernment property and in most cases will be formermilitary housing GovernmentOwned (also known as Military Housing orNavy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing While only available in limited quantities CONUS,Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS.
CommunityHousing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPVor government operated This is housing outside ofthe base that is privately owned and operated
NAVY HOUSING
Norfolk: 757.445.2832
JEBLCFS: 757.462.2792
Oceana/DamNeck: 757.433.3268
Yorktown: 757.847.7806
Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost.
FUNCTIONSAND/OR
SERVICESFFSCPROVIDES:
ClinicalCounseling – Individual, Couplesand ChildCounseling
Personal Financial Management
Information & Referral
Family EmploymentAssistance
TransitionAssistance
FamilyAdvocacy Program
Deployment and Mobilization Support
Ombudsman Support
RelocationAssistance
Parenting Programs
Stress andAngerManagement
Command Support
Crisis Support
Suicide Prevention
SAPR Support
Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base
NAS JRB FORT WORTH, Texas— Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth and Navy Recruiting District Dallas joined forces to send the President and Founder of Holidays and Heroes, Ms. Kerre Randel Ortegel, aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt as a participant in the Navy’s “Leaders to Sea” initiative on June 6-7,providinginsightintothedailyworkings of a Navy ship at sea “Thiswasoneofthemostmemorableand informative adventures I have ever taken part of,” said Ortegel. “The excitement of flying on a V22 Osprey, and landing on the back of an aircraft carrier, then to step onto the flight deck and see all the planes was awe-inspiring.” Thepurposeofthe“LeaderstoSea”initia-
tive is to provide civilians with no Navy background the opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to live and work at sea, acquaint them with the capabilities of navalshipsandshowcasetheshipandcrew
“The most exciting part of the day was to experience flight operations from the flight deck, with F-18s taking off on the starboard side,andlandingontheportside Itwasfun towatchallthedeckhandsintheirdifferent coloredjerseysorchestratingthemovement of all the planes. The deck hands were nicknamed ‘Skittles’ as different job roles were identified by their corresponding colored jerseys,” explained Ortegel. Ortegel’s brother served as an Aviation Maintenance Administrator onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt during Operation AlliedForcein1999forsixmonths AccordingtoOrtegel,thismadethe“LeaderstoSea” program, where she had the opportunity to tour the same ship, even more impactful.
“Beinginthehangar,seeingalltheplanes, helicopters, and their maintainers gave me a sense of just how big the carrier is from theflightdeckandthehangar,”saidOrtegel.
“We also got to go into the Theodore Roosevelt Museum room, where we saw several artifacts on display, including a “big stick” which is also the nickname for the carrier.”
Ortegel expressed her admiration for the professionalism of the sailors she encountered. “I was impressed those young men and women from 18 24 years old were giventheresponsibilitiesofhandlingmultimillion dollar equipment,” said Ortegel. “I am now inspired knowing what they are giving up living on a ship for months at a time mostofthembelowdeck,rarelyseeing the light of day. They work, eat, and sleep and start over again the next day. They give uptheluxuryofcivilianlifetomaintainand defend our freedom.”
Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) hosted its first installment of this year’s Leadership and InnovationSpeakerSeriesforahybridaudienceonMay10,2023.
The Leadership and Innovation Speaker Series is meant to give a diverse group of industry and government leaders a forum todiscussleadership,innovations,management,cooperation,andeffectiveworkplace practices
NSWCPD Chief Engineer Adam “Scott” Freednerconnectedtheevent’sthemeback tothePhiladelphiaDivision’scoreprinciples that were instilled from the organization’s foundingduringhisopeningremarks
“LeadershipandInnovationarecertainly two of the founding principles here at NSWCPD.WhenwedidNationalEngineers Week our Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Dr Eugene ‘Michael’ Golda delved into our command’s history, pointing out how and whytheseprinciplesaresuchanimportant
partofourDNA, Freednersaid.
“During that event, we heard how our founder George Wallace Melville was promoted to Admiral by President Grover Cleveland in 1887, and subsequently be called upon to lead and innovate which he did greatly I’m proud to say we will continue spotlighting people like Adm. Melville in this Leadership and Innovation Series, hecontinued.
Freedner introduced the Director for SurfaceShipDesignandSystemsEngineering (SEA 05D) J. Carey Filling to applause fromtheNSWCPDcommunity Inhisposition, Filling is the head of the group within theNavalSeaSystemsCommand(NAVSEA) Naval Systems Engineering Directorate thatprovidestechnicalsupporttoU.S.Navy surfaceships
Filling showed his appreciation for his reception and his strong working relationship with NSWCPD through his NAVSEA leadershiprole
“NSWC Philadelphia is certainly part of our team and I tell people all the time that Philadelphia is one of our closest work-
ing warfare centers and you all are heavily engagedinourdesignefforts Youallareintegraltohelpingusbuildfuturefleets,”hesaid.
Filling’s keynote focused on the many innovations going on in the NAVSEA community, highlighting the Navy’s work with directed energy as a way to continue the United States’ strategic advantage over itsadversaries.
“Whydowewanttousedirectedenergy?
Well, we talked about the cost of rounds for our guided missile destroyer. If we have weaponsthatareonlyusingenergy,thenour fuel tanks become the magazine, and that has a lot to do with the Philadelphia team for power and cooling These weapons are verypowerandcoolinghungry,”Fillingsaid.
Hecontinued,“Itlowersthecostpershot and increases the magazine We want to be able to increase power, increase range and increaselethality.”
AfteraQ&Asessionwiththehybridaudience,itwastimeforNSWCPDCommanding Officer Capt. Joseph Darcy to give his closingremarks
“We appreciate this time to step away
and pick our heads up We get to see what is going on in Washington D.C. and what’s going on in the Pentagon to see what leadershipistalkingabout,”Darcysaid.
“As a personal story, I built ships and then I worked in the program office, but it wasn’tuntilIwenttoworkforSEA05Dthat I understood the intricacies of how we do whatwedo,”Darcycontinued.“We[atPhiladelphia]areessentialandfewpeoplegetto see what we do here We thank people like Mr Fillingforcomingtotalktousandbringing an external perspective to give us some extraprofessionaltimetogrowandseewhat isoutthere.”
NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and materialforNavysurfaceshipsandsubmarines NSWCPDisalsotheleadorganization providingcybersecurityforallshipsystems.
ByNAVCENTPublicAffairs
U.S.NavalForcesCentralCommand/ U.S.5thFleet
GULFOFOMAN OnJuly5,U.S.forces preventedtwoattemptedcommercialtanker seizuresbytheIranianNavyaftertheIranians had opened fire in one of the incidents nearthecoastofOman
Bothoftheseincidentsoccurredininternationalwaters
At 1 a.m local time one Iranian naval vessel approached the Marshall IslandsflaggedoiltankerTRFMossininternational waters in the Gulf of Oman. The Iranian vessel departed the scene when U.S. Navy guided-missiledestroyerUSSMcFaul(DDG
74) arrived on station Additionally the U.S. Navydeployedsurveillanceassets including MQ-9 Reaper and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrolaircraft.
Approximately three hours later, the U.S. Navy received a distress call from Bahamian-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager while the ship was more than 20 miles off the coast of Muscat, Oman, and transiting international waters toward the Arabian Sea AnotherIraniannavalvesselhadclosed withinonemileofRichmondVoyagerwhile hailingthecommercialtankertostop McFaul directed course toward Richmond Voyager at maximum speed as the merchant tanker continued its transit. Prior to McFaul’s arrival on scene, Iranian
personnel fired multiple, long bursts from bothsmallarmsandcrew-servedweapons Richmond Voyager sustained no casualties or significant damage However, several rounds hit the ship’s hull near crew living spaces The Iranian navy vessel departed whenMcFaularrived In May, the United States increased the rotation of ships and aircraft patrolling the StraitofHormuzwithpartnersfollowingan uptick in Iranian merchant vessel seizures
The increased force presence supports multinational efforts under the International Maritime Security Construct and bilaterally with partner nations to deter threats to commercial shipping and reassureregionalmariners
“I couldn’t be prouder of the entire [U.S Naval Forces Central Command] team, especially the exceptional effort by the McFaul crew, for immediately responding and preventing another seizure, said Vice Adm.BradCooper,commanderofU.S.Naval ForcesCentralCommand,U.S.5thFleetand Combined Maritime Forces “We remain vigilant and ready to protect navigational rightsinthesecriticalwaters.”
Since 2021, Iran has harassed, attacked or seized nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels presenting a clear threat toregionalmaritimesecurityandtheglobal economy.
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) DirectorforSurface Ship Design and Systems Engineering (SEA05D)J.CareyFilling serves as the guest speakerforthe first installment ofNaval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division’s (NSWCPD) Leadership and Innovation SpeakerSeries thisyearon May10 2023.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYPHILLIPSCARINGI/RELEASED)
ByFrankKaminski
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport
NavalUnderseaWarfareCenterDivision, Keyporthostedrepresentativesfromacross the Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers the NAVSEA Warfare Centers Headquarters and the Naval Sea Logistics Center for a warfighting readiness tabletop exerciseatNavalBaseKitsap-Keyport,June 13-15.
The event, titled “Warfare Centers Command, Control and Communications IntegrationTabletopExercise,”markedthe first time all 10 Warfare Center Divisions, Warfare Center Headquarters and NSLC have been brought together for an in-person wartime readiness command, control and communication tabletop exercise, said NUWC Division, Keyport Advanced Skills ManagementLogisticsLeadCaeleighVillarreal.
Its goal was to test wartime response plans to address gaps identified during last year’s Naval Innovative Science and Engineering-funded Warfare Center Megaproject Command and Control tabletop event hostedbyNavalSurfaceWarfareCenterPort HuenemeDivision.
Villarreal,wholedtheplanninganddevelopmentofthisyear’sexercise,saidtheevent had a remarkable turnout and exceptional participantengagement.
“We originally were hoping to have 40 peoplecome butbecauseoftheuniqueness of the event we ended up with 70 people,” said Villarreal “There was a lot of enthusiasmandengagementandcommitmentfrom alltheparticipants.”
Atabletopexerciseisatestingandevaluation event where participants discuss and analyze the impacts of a negative event
such as a natural disaster, supply chain disruption or cyber attack—on an organization’s or system’s ability to perform a mission-essential function, in order to test and improve preparedness and response capabilities
This tabletop was a direct response to a 2021 memo issued by former Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) James Geurts, mandating that all field activities organize a wartime acquisition response tabletop exercise to test wartime response plans, to includecommandandcontrol.
In the memo, Geurts stated, “An established and practiced wartime response is a core proficiency of both acquisition and warfighter readiness [...] I remain committed to ensuring that the United States Navy Acquisition community is ready to support thenextmajorconflict.”
NUWC Division, Keyport Chief Logistician Wendy Kierpiec delivered the exercise’sopeningremarks.Sheencouragedthe group to use the event as an opportunity to learn and navigate unfamiliar operating environments, while also emphasizing the importanceofhoningtheircommunication,
command and control skills that would be vitalinsupportingawartimescenario
The exercise focused on three scenarios, or“turns,”centeredaroundtypesofdamage likely to occur to aircraft, ships, submarinesandashoreinfrastructureinsustained conflict. Participants devised innovative repair solutions and determined optimal asset allocations to address the challenges posedbythesescenarios,saidKierpiec.
Aftereachturn,eachWarfareCenterDivision provided three types of deliverables: actionitems,observationsandinsights,and recommendations.Thesedeliverableswere thensharedwiththeentiregroup,allowing valuable knowledge and experiences to be exchanged.
On the final day of the exercise, participantsdividedintogroups,eachtaskedwith developinganoptimalcrisisresponsecenter command, control and communications framework,or“C3.”Villarrealdescribedthe resultingC3sasbeingamongthemostvaluableoutcomesoftheexercise,emphasizing their potential to enhance communication flowfromthefleettotheWarfareCenters.
Villarreal said this exercise has provided theWarfareCenterswithawealthofactionable data, which they are currently using to refine their wartime response plans and prepareforthePacificFleetTalismanSabre exercisecomingupthisAugust.
About Naval Undersea Warfare Center DivisionKeyport NUWC Keyport provides advanced technical capabilities for test and evaluation, in-service engineering, maintenance and industrial base support, fleet material readiness, and obsolescence management for undersea warfare to expand America’s underseadominance
ByChristinaJohnson Military Sealift Command, Europe and Africa
NORDENHAM,Germany
U.S.Navy’sMilitarySealiftCommand (MSC) chartered Motor Vessel (MV) Sagamore, a container ship built in 2008, arrived at the Port of Nordenham, Germany, loaded with cargo as part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s continual supportofreal-worldeventsinEurope,June23
The coordination of the arrival, offload, and departure of this vesselwasaccomplishedbytheMilitarySealiftCommandEurope and Africa (MSCEURAF) Marine Transportation Specialist (MTS) team, and it marks the 38th mission so far in 2023 This numberexceedstheentireyearof2022withatotalof35missions completed “I am honestly impressed with the work that has been accomplishedbytheMSCEURAFteaminthefirstsixmonthsofthisyear,” said U.S. Merchant Marine Capt. Thomas Giudice, MSCEURAF Marine Transportation Specialist supervisor “Even with a full complement of MTS staff, it has been a real challenge to support thesevesselsinthenumerousportsthroughoutEuropeandAfrica area of responsibility.”
To assist with this increase in missions, the U.S. Navy Reserve provided personnel under the Expeditionary Port Unit (EPU) program.TheReservistmissionforMSCistoprovidecargoafloat rigteams(CART),expeditionaryportunits(EPUs),TacticalAdvisor (TACAD) units, headquarters (HQ) support units, logistics support units, and strategic sealift units (SSUs) for operations whichrequireadditionalmanpowernotnormallyrequiredduring sustained peacetime operations The Navy Reserve is MSC’s manpower solution for surge mission sets
“Thanks to the unparalleled support provided by the Navy Reservists who make up the EPU MSCEURAF has made every mission,” added Guidice
MSCoperatesapproximately125navalauxiliarycivilian-crewed ships, replenishes U.S. Navy ships, strategically prepositions combat cargo at sea, and moves military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners around the world.
U.S.Navy’s MilitarySealift Command (MSC) chartered MotorVessel (MV) Sagamore,a containership built in 2008 arrived at the Port ofNordenham,Germany, June 23.The ship is loadedwith cargo as part ofthe U.S. Department ofDefense’s continual support ofreal-world events in Europe.The pier’s craneworks continually moving the CONEXboxes from the ship to the rail cars stationed on the pier (PHOTOBYCHRISTINAJOHNSON, MILITARYSEALIFTCOMMAND,EUROPEANDAFRICA)
Jacksonville native from Page 1
long,theworkcanbehard,andyou’regoing tolearnsomelifelessons.Thesesimilarities connect the Sailors of today to the Sailors of days gone by in an almost universal way. Raffertyiscomingtotheendofhercontract next year and shared a lesson she’s learned
duringhertimeintheNavythatshewilltake withher.
“IthinkthenumberonethingI’velearned in the Navy is just expect the unexpected, said Rafferty “You have to be ready to go at amoment’snotice Sowiththatinmind,I’ve learnedtoappreciateallthelittlethingsIget. Whetherthatbemyleavegettingapproved, a day off that wasn’t scheduled, extra time with friends, visits from family, and (every-
iousship-to-shorelandingandforceretraction.
thing) in between Everything changes so alwaysbeprepared.”
John Finn is forward-deployed to Commander, Task Force 71 U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and openIndo-Pacificregion.CTF71isresponsibleforthereadiness,tacticalandadministrativeresponsibilitiesforforward-deployed ArleighBurke-classguided-missiledestroy-
Combat Squadron 22 (HSC 22), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 Detachment
ers as well as any surface unit conducting independentoperationsintheregion.Navy’s 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet and routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conductingmissionstopreserveandprotectcritical regionalpartnerships
hybridfleethereinUNITAS.”
InadditiontotheUnitedStates,UNITAS
LXIV will bring together 19 nations from all over the world to train forces in joint maritime operations that enhance tactical proficiency and increase interoperability. Participating nations include Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay,Spain,SouthKorea,UnitedKingdom,UnitedStates,andUruguay.
Following the UNITAS LXIV Opening CeremonyonJuly12 theinportphaseofthe exercise will feature subject matter expert exchanges,professionalsymposia,shiprider exchanges,andoperationsmeetings.During this time, Marines and Sailors will conduct expeditionarytrainingeventsinCovenasto include riverine operations and diving and salvageoperations.
During the UNITAS LXIV Underway Phase forces will participate in events testingallwarfareoperations toincludelive-fire exercisessuchasaSINKEXandanamphib-
“Marines and Sailors from across the United States will travel to Colombia to not only train alongside our partner nations’ militaries, but to hone the skills required to operate as part of a larger maritime force focused on sea control and sea denial,” said Lt Gen. David G. Bellon, commander U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Reserve. “We will be exercising command and control from a forward position as Marines set up and employExpeditionaryAdvancedBaseOperations to enhance naval capabilities as part ofUNITAS.”
U.S. forces participating in UNITAS
LXIV include USS New York (LPD 21), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Little Rock (LCS 9), USS Pasadena (SSN 752), and USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10). Other U.S. participants include Patrol Squadron Five (VP 5), Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU)
2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EOD) 612, Mine Countermeasures Group 3, (MCMGRU 3), Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures EOD Company 61 (EODMU 61), East-coast based Naval Special Warfare units, Helicopter Sea
2 (HSM 70 Det 2), Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), Fleet Surgical Team (FST) Eight, and the Meteorological Environmental Team (MET). U.S. Marine forces include 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment (3⁄23), 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion (4th AABn), 8th Combat LogisticBattalion(CLB8),4thCombatEngineer Battalion(4thCEB),MarineMediumTiltrotorSquadron774(VMM774),MarineLight Helicopter Attack Squadron 775 (HMLA 775), Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron234(VMGR-234),MarineAircraft Control Group 48 (MACG-48), and MarineFighterAttackSquadron112(VMFA112).Finally,Commander,DestroyerSquadron 40, (COMDESRON 40), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four (COMPHIBRON FOUR), U.S Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH), Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT, and U.S. SouthernCommand(USSOUTHCOM)are participatinginUNITASLXIV UNITAS whichisLatinforunity united or oneness was conceived in 1959 during a previous era of strategic competition when
representatives at the first Inter-American Naval Conference in Panama agreed to conduct an annual maritime exercise with oneanother PriortoUNITASIin1960,U.S.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Arleigh Burke reviewed preparations for the multinationalexercise Hecommendedplanners for their progress especially in building compatiblecommunicationsystemsamong navies, and predicted that UNITAS would build strong relationships among Sailors of theWesternHemisphere
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operationsbyemployingmaritimeforcesin cooperativemaritimesecurityoperationsto maintain access enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean,CentralandSouthAmericanregion.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South is the Marine Corps component to U.S. Southern Command,isresponsibleforplanningexercises, operations and overall Marine Corps supportfortheSOUTHCOMassignedarea ofresponsibility
ByUSSGeraldR.Ford(CVN78)
MEDITERRANEAN SEA “It’s hard beingawayfromyourfamily,”saidAviation MaintenanceAdministrationman3rdClass AlyssaHuerta,fromElPaso,Texas,assigned to the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 “But I’m glad I’m out hereservingmycountry.”
Sailorsaboardtheworld’slargestaircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) celebratedIndependenceDaywithasteelbeach picnicontheflightdeck,July4,2023
The event gave Sailors aboard Gerald R. Ford a day to relax and the opportunity to commemorateJuly4,1776,whentheDeclaration of Independence was first ratified and established the United States of America. Sailors celebrated the occasion with a day out of uniform and in the sun, enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by the ship’schiefsmessandmustangassociation
“We had two crews work together really
well,” said Chief Aviation Support EquipmentTechnicianJoshHensman,fromVan, Texas, assigned to Gerald R. Ford’s aircraft intermediatemaintenancedepartment.“We servedthewholecrewforlunchanddinner. Wealwayscometogether,nomatterwhatit is It’s one of the best messes I’ve ever been in.It’sbeenfunbeingoutherewiththem.”
Gerald R. Ford’s morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) division hosted basketball, tug-of-war, cornhole and steak-grillingcompetitionstohelpSailorsde-stressby givingthemfunactivitiestoparticipatein.
“It’s really nice to see everyone come together,”saidSeamanNacoletteCarr,from Miamisburg, Ohio, assigned to Gerald R. Ford’s MWR division. “Even if they’re just viewing and watching [the events,] they’re still smiling. They’re still enjoying what’s going on. It’s awesome to see everyone happyandcometogether.”
The day ended with a big bang as Gerald R.Ford’screwwatchedfromtheflightdeck
astheguided-missiledestroyerUSSRamage (DDG61),partoftheGeraldR.FordCarrier StrikeGroup(GRFCSG) firedtracerrounds from the MK-45 5-inch/54 caliber gun into the sunset in lieu of a traditional firework show.
“It’s been fun, we’ve seen a lot of events happen,”saidHuerta.“It’sdifferent,butI’m glad that I have the people that I do on this shiptomakeitfeelhome-like.”
The GRFCSG is conducting a scheduled deploymentintheAtlanticOceaninsupport of interoperability and maritime security.
The GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce Intotal,theGRFCSGisdeployed withmorethan6,000Sailorsacrossallplatforms ready to respond globally to combatantcommandertasking.
Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier As the first-in-classshipofFord-classaircraftcarriers CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power onaglobalscale Ford-classaircraftcarriers introduce 23 new technologies, including ElectromagneticAircraftLaunchingSystem, Advanced Arresting Gear and Advanced WeaponsElevators.Thenewsystemsincorporated onto Ford-class ships are designed todelivergreaterlethality survivabilityand joint interoperability with a 20% smaller crewthanaNimitz-classcarrier pavingthe wayforwardfornavalaviation
For more information about the USS GeraldR.Ford(CVN78),visithttps://www airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Twitter:@Warship_78,DVIDS:www.dvids. net/CVN78 and LinkedIn at USS Gerald R. Ford(CVN78)
Sailorsassignedto theworld’slargestaircraft carrierUSSGeraldR.Ford (CVN78) participatein a game ofcornholein thehangarbayduring aSteelBeach picnic tocelebrateIndependence Day July 4,2023.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSADONICAMUNOZ)
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Ruth Lee,from LasVegas,makes snow cones during the steel beach picnic.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASSCOMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST SEAMANAPPRENTICETRISTANRICHARDSON)
Sage,a three-yearold female LabradorRetriever,deployed aboard USS Gerald R.Ford as part ofa pilot program through Muttswith a Mission,participates in the steel beach picnic.(U.S.NAVYPHOTOBYMASS
COMMUNICATIONSPECIALIST2NDCLASSJACOBMATTINGLY)
A healthy meal complete with fruit & veggies for the win!
PorkChopswith Balsamic-Peach Glaze, Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli is a fantastic meal that gives a heftyboost toyourveggie and fruit intake forthe day. PageC4
The Virginia Arts Festival is beyond happy,punintended,tobringtotheHampton Roads Area the Beyond Van Gogh: The ImmersiveExperiencetotheVirginiaBeach Conference Center going on now through September 2nd. You will see Van Gogh’s masterpiecescomealive,appearanddisappear as they flawlessly move from the walls to the floor and vice versa as a beautiful musical score accompanies this incredible, immersiveVanGoghexperience
For ticket prices, premium and VIP options and more go to https://vangoghvirginiabeach.com/
Yiorgo: Here to tell us all about it is art historian Fanny Curtat. Tell us Fanny, why shouldpeopleseeBeyondVanGogh?What willtheyseeandexperience?
Fanny Curtat: Beyond Van Gogh is a
blend of cutting edge projection technology along with Vincent’s body of work and that allows for something that is truly, truly different from a regular museum experience I want to be clear here There is nothing that will ever replace the experience of goingtoarealmuseum Thatisnotthegoal here.Thereissomethingtrulymagicalwhen youareinfrontofanoriginalVanGoghand youcan’tduplicatethat.Thereissomething reallyphenomenalandquitemagicalabout setting foot into the paintings themselves andthat’swhatthisexperiencereally,truly, provides It is a great dreamlike journey, going inside a world made out of paint of morethan300paintingsofVanGoghandit is a unique way of connecting with it. Children get to discover the art world by being freeinthespace,theygettorunaroundand twirl as they wish. I’ve seen adults twirl as well. It really is like a magical dreamlike
journey that helps connect with the art worldwithareallytruly,newperspective Itisalsoreallygreatforstudentstoexperience.Itisagreattoolforeducationpurposes because it is both playful, educational and it’s the paintings that actually come to the studentsbecauseofthewaythattheexhibit is designed It is like meeting the students and of course everyone who attends, half way through. It’s very dynamic and your whole body really takes it all in and experiences it on a very different level. You really don’tneedtoknowanythingaboutVanGogh toenjoyanexperiencelikethis Itreachesall generationsyoungandold.
Y:Canyoudescribethelayoutofwhatthe peoplewillseeoncetheygetthere?
FC: We normally use 30,000 square feet of space and our goal is to keep it as similar as possible from one city to the next so we canprovidethesameexperiencethatpeople
mayhaveheardaboutinadifferentcity.Itis anenormousspace,anditisdividedintotwo rooms. The first room is the Introduction Hall, where people get to read more about VanGoghinhisownwords.Wehave18years worth of correspondence letters between Vincent and his brother Theo They make youfeelthatheissorelevant,present,sensitive and that there is more to him than the earcuttingincident
Thesecondroomisthebiggestandwhere allthemagichappens Allthewallsandfloors are covered by projections and it’s a loop of about35minutesbutit’sreally,reallyseamless.Youdonotfeelthatthereisabeginning, middle or end. There is also a story arc and thepeoplewillfeelthat.Usuallypeoplewill stayinthatroomformorethanoneloop So combiningbothrooms,itisaboutalittlebit
TurntoBeyondVanGogh, Page 3
PressRelease
NORFOLK, Va The 22nd Annual Norfolk Latino Music & Food Festival presented by Newport News Shipbuilding will be held Saturday, July 22, from 2pm to 10pm at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront The event is free &opentothepublic
Featuring electric live music performances,aneclecticofferingofLatincuisine, fun family-friendly activities, authentic dance lessons & performances, and much more, the festival celebrates Hampton Roads’vibrantLatinocommunity
Thisyear’smusicallineupisheadlinedby Dominican-American Luisito Gomez and will also feature performances by Tumbao Salsero,GrupoRitmoSonandDJManguof LaSelectaRadio!Additionalentertainment includesinteractivedanceclasses&performances from Libre Dance USA & Mambo Room, mini soccer pitches, board games, authenticarts&crafts,shopping,andmuch more. Read below for the complete music lineup&thefulllistoffoodvendors.
Music:
4pm:GrupoRitmoSon
5:30pm:DJMangu
6:30pm:TumbaoSalsero
8pm:DJMangu
8:45pm:LuisitoGomez
Food:
Juan’sCafé(Tacos:alpastor,etripa, delengua,birriatacos,Streetcorn, Quesadillas,Churros)
Latin2Soul(Seafood,Chicken, Empanadas,Nachos,Quesadillas,Tacos)
MiamiFusion(Miami/CubanFusion, Arepas)
Kitchenfinity(PeruvianCeviche Empanadas)
CocinaCalle(Pupusa YucaTots Tacos Nachos)
PlazadelSol(StreetTacos,Quesadillas)
YolessgDawgz(HotDogs)
Joysicels(Brazilianfrozenpops)
DeepFried(RoastedCorn,FunnelCakes)
HawaiianSno(ShavedIce)
BenandJerry’s(IceCream)
The22ndAnnualNorfolkLatinoMusic &FoodFestivalispresentedbyNewport NewsShipbuildingandsponsoredbythe CityofNorfolk,SouthernAutoGroup OptimaHealth,13NewsNow,CativaCBD OldDominionUniversityAthletics
HolisticFamilyPractice,Corona,Miller Lite,Yuengling,andWhiteClaw
For more information visit https://festevents.org/events/2023/latino-music-fest/. FormoreinformationonNorfolkFestevents’ 2023SeasonofEvents,visitFestevents.org.
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PressRelease
Bring the entire family to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 29th Street. Find your spot on the sand and enjoy movies under the stars. All films start at 8:30pm and are free and open to the public Beach Blanket CinemaispresentedbyOceanfrontEats.
Thursday,July13:
Minions:TheRiseOf Gru(PG)
Tuesday,July18:
Apollo13(PG)
Wednesday,July19:
WALL-E(G)
Thursday,July20: GalaxyQuest(PG)
Friday July21:
E.T.TheExtra-Terrestrial(PG)
Saturday July22:
StarWars:TheForceAwakens(PG-13)
Thursday,July27:
Lyle,LyleCrocodile(PG)
Thursday,August3:
ThePrincessandtheFrog(G)
Thursday,August10:
HotelTransylvania:Transformania(PG)
Thursday August17:
TheSuperMarioBros.Movie(PG)
PressRelease
Go back to where it all began with this concert event!Featuringasoundtrackthatblendssymphonic orchestralmusicwithhip-hop Spider-Man:IntoThe Spider-VerseLiveinConcertpairsascreeningofthe Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing originalmusicthatiscomplimentedwithsongcontributionsbyPostMalone,LilWayne,JadenSmith,and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film supporting its themes of resilience and universalheroism.
This show is one night only at Chrysler Hall on September29at8p.m.
Ticketsstartat$29andareonsalenowattheScope Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com. The Scope Arena box office is currently open Monday through Fridayfrom10a.m.to4p.m.andlocatedintheScope parkinggarageat201E.BrambletonAve,Norfolk,VA 23510 For additional questions please contact the boxofficeat757.664.6464orinfo@sevenvenues.com.
About The Film: Spider-Man: Into The SpiderVerse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where morethanonecanwearthemask.Asuperheroclassicforanewgeneration,MilesisanAfro-Latinxteen who is bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway and gains mysterious powers Joined by spider-heroes from parallel universes Miles must master his new powers to save his city from a villain who could destroyitall.
ByCoryMoody
The Harrison Opera House was the venue for this mind-bending celebration of science fiction, space exploration,andpopculture,whichtookplace on Friday, June 30th. From start to finish, the production transported the audience on a warp-driven laser ride through time and space, guaranteeing anexperiencelikenoother
The show was a seamless fusion of multimedia elements, including hightech lasers, theatrical lighting, and high-definitionvideos Theseelements were expertly choreographed and synchronized to the pulsating beats of iconic rock-n-roll hits by artists such as David Bowie, Queen, Duran Duran, The Police, The B-52’s, Portishead, Moby The Church Soundgarden, Patti Smith, Daft Punk, and more. The concert-quality sound enveloped the audience, creating a thrilling atmosphere that set the stage for the visual extravaganzatocome
The visuals were a symphony of colors, shapes, and imagery drawn from a diverse range of sources, including movies TV shows the internet, and commercials The creative team behind Lazer Invazion meticulously curated these visuals, seamlessly blending them with laser designs,theatricallighting,andatmospheric haze and smoke. The result was a unified and immersive visual experience that transcended the boundaries of imagination.
Oneofthemostcaptivatingaspects of the show was the synchronization between the visuals and the music. Each song evoked a unique visual concept, leading to a harmonious interplay between sight and sound. The audience was treated to a stun-
ning display of laser beams dancing in perfect harmony with the melodies whilethevibrantlightingfurther accentuatedthemoodofeachsong It wasamesmerizingsymphonyoflight and sound that captivated the senses
Throughouttheperformance,there were moments that stood out as truly awe-inspiring Onesuchmomentwas during the segment featuring Daft Punk’s “Technologic.” The combinationofthemeticulously craftedvideo accompanimentandtheintricatelaser design created a breathtaking spectacle that left the audience breathless The synchronization between the pulsating beats, the mesmerizing visuals,andtheelectrifyinglaserswas nothing short of magical.
Lazer Invazion was a testament to the power of live entertainment and the ability to create immersive experiences that transport audiences to uncharted territories of imagination. The show paid homage to the influence of science fiction on our culture, blendingitseamlesslywithrock-n-roll classics and cutting-edge technology It was an exploration of the shared dreamsandfantasiesthathaveshaped our collective consciousness.
Astheperformancedrewtoaclose, itwasevidentthatLazerInvazionhad left an indelible mark on the audience The Harrison Opera House had been transformed into a cosmic playground, and the audience had been taken on a journey they would never forget.LazerInvazionwasatestament totheboundlesscreativityandinnovationthatcanbeachievedwhenmusic, visuals and technology intertwine in perfectharmony
Cory Moody is a passionate arts, entertainment and technology enthusiast.
from Page 1
morethananhour’sworthofanexperience andpeoplecanstayaslongastheylike
Y: Can you tell us about the music that playsinconjunctionwiththeimagesofVan Gogh’spaintings?
FC: Music actually plays a really importantpartinanimmersionexperiencebecause itreallycarriesyouinthestorytellingandthe dreamlikeaspectofit.Sowechosetonotgo with period appropriate music We chose music from very different time periods and styles,aswellasdifferentartists Wedidthis to showcase that Vincent has been co-existing with these different styles of music and he is part of our cultural environment. He is relevant in all these time periods and remainsfreshandinspiringthroughoutthe timeperiods We have a piece by Miles Daves, we have a musical rendition of “Here Comes the Sun” that people recognize the most. The music is meant to visually support what’s happening There are no lyrics it’s really about blending all of these different pieces together and for those who attend and love the music they hear, we have the whole list availableonspotifyonourwebsiteathttps:// open.spotify.com/playlist/0o9CxXVDyDHqZ33cNEhUp5
Y: With over 2000 Van Gogh creations, how were 300 of his works chosen to be showcasedhere?
FC: Some of course are obvious choices suchasStarryNight,SunFlowers theIrises all of these very, very famous pieces have to be in there but there is also a lot more room toshowmoreandhowthatthereisanarcto his evolution that got him to this point. We chose to divide this show in three sections thatcoverthelast10yearsofhislifebecause that’swhenhereallypainted.
The beginning of his career he is still in the Netherlands and that is much darker piecesbecauseheisstilllearning.Thenyou gettoParisandit’sjustthebrightnessofthe Impressioniststhathemetandthenhegets
totheSouthofFranceandthatjustexplodes withcolorandwhenhewenttoAuvers-surOise to be near his brother Theo, his paintingsarepure,puremovement.Wechosethe piecesthatshowcasedthenaturalevolution of his work from darkness to night, brightnessandjoyinmovementandthat’showwe wentaboutit
Y: Where were you born and what motivatedyoutobecomeanArtHistorian?
FC: I was born near Paris France and moved to Montreal, Canada when I was very young I went into art first and have a bachelor’s degree in it. I then had this great artteacherthatreallyopenedmyeyestoart history,motivatedmeandhelpedmerealize thatimagesareconnectedtoeverything So IdidmymastersinitandnowIamfinishing mydoctor’sdegreeinit.
Y: Do you have a favorite part of this exhibit for yourself and a favorite part that you can’t wait to see the reactions of those attending?
FC: I am lucky enough to travel to the openings of most of them and I get to talk topeoplewhoareseeingitforthefirsttime and what I like the most is them telling me thattheylearnedsomethingmoreaboutVan Gogh. That is the point of this whole experience That is why it is called Beyond Van Gogh.Heissowidelypopularandacomplex human being So when people learn a little bit more about him, that is my personal
favoritething Intermsofreactions,I’veseenpeoplecry, sit still in a meditative state I’ve seen twirling and dancing, laughing and giddyness There is just so much to take in and it has beenincrediblyrichtoseehowmeaningfulit couldbetosomanypeopleinsomanyways
Y: How about a wow pinch me moment that you experienced while being a part of BeyondVanGogh?
FC: Forme, it’s hard to beat the first time Isawitinperson.Originally,wewereworkingonthisprojectduringthepandemicfrom our home For the longest time I saw this project that is meant to be in an enormous space, on my tiny 13 inch computer screen.
The first time I saw it in its physical space was in Austin, Texas. It was a very moving experience for me to see it actually moving all around me I saw a child following the twirling lights of Starry Night on the floor and laughing her heart out and that was incredibleformeanditbecamemeaningful and purposeful You think you have something when you are alone at home in your room on your tiny computer, but to see it in itsactualspace,thatwasmywowmoment.
Yiorgo is an arts entertainment and sports writer A stage TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist
Art historian FannyCurtat (PHOTOSBY TIMOTHYNORRIS)This Simple Cooking with Heart American/Southernrecipeisafantasticmealthat gives a hefty boost to your veggie and fruit intakefortheday
Pork Chops with BalsamicPeach Glaze, Roasted Sweet
Potatoes and Broccoli
Servings 4
¼cupbalsamicvinegar
1tsp.balsamicvinegar
2clovefreshgarlic(minced)OR
2tsp jarred,mincedgarlic
1Tbsp extravirginoliveoil
4thinlyslicedtoploinporkchops (4oz each)
1headbroccoli(cutintobite-sizepieces)
OR2cupsbroccoliflorets
2smallsweetpotatoes(or2cups,)
¼tsp chilipowder
1tsp blackpepper(divideduse)
1cupfrozen unsweetenedpeaches (thawed,chopped)
½cupsugar-freepeachpreserves
⅛teaspooncayennepepper
1Tbsp.freshthymeleavesOR 1tsp driedthyme
non-stickCookingspray
Preheatovento350°F.
Inamediummixingbowl,whisktogether
¼cupbalsamicvinegar garlicandoliveoil. Reserve half of this mixture for vegetables.
To half of the vinegar mixture, add pork chops Coverandchillfor15-30minutes
In a large mixing bowl, add vegetables, chili powder and ½ teaspoon. pepper and vinegarmixtureandtossthoroughlytocoat.
Spread vegetables in one layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Roast for 35-40 minutes untilpotatoissoftandbroccolibeginstoturnslightlycrispy.
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, stir together 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, peaches, peach preserves, cayenne pepper and thyme Heat, stirring frequently, until
saucebeginstosimmer. Remove pork chops from marinade and discard remainingliquid.Seasonwithremainingpepper.Heatalargeskillet over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray and add pork chops Cook2-3minutesineachside,untilcookedthrough
Servewith1cupofvegetablesand¼saucedrizzledover eachporkchop
Cooking Tip: Thaw frozen peaches in refrigerator overnightorremovefrombagandplaceintoabowloflukewarm waterforabout10minutesanddrain
(BHOFACK2/ISTOCKVIAGETTYIMAGES)
ByLourdesMedrano
American Heart Association News
A cold glass of water can refresh when temperatures soar. But if your taste buds need an extra zing, a sip of agua fresca can help Agua fresca, long ubiquitous in Mexico and other Latin American countries, is an all-natural fruit drink replete with nutrients said Krista Linares a registered dietitian nutritionist in Los Angeles “It can be very refreshing and a perfectly valid part of ahealthydiet.
Traditional agua fresca, which is Spanish for “fresh water,” is made by blending fruitpulpwithwater,sweetenedthenserved cold.Seedsandgrainsandevenflowerscan beusedinsteadoffruit.Forexample,soaked riceisusedtomakeaguadehorchata;soaked chia seeds for agua de chia; and hibiscus flowersforaguadeJamaica.
“Throughout Latin America you will also see drinks made from oats, made from barley,”Linaressaid.
Linareslikesthathomemadeaguafresca, unlikesugarysoftdrinks,canbeeasilymodi-
fiedtoindividualtasteasahealthieralternative. “And you can get some fiber vitamins and minerals from the fruit, depending on theflavorandhowit’smade, shesaid.
In recent years, the popularity of agua fresca has exploded in the United States Foodies rave about it, and online recipes abound. “The Latino population is growing in the U.S., and I feel like it’s becoming abiggerpartoftheconversationintermsof cultureandfood,”Linaressaid.
InMexico aguasfrescasdatetothetimeof theAztecs fromthe13thtothe16thcentury. Theywouldaddwatertocrushedfruitsand groundflowerstoquenchtheirthirstduring journeys,accordingtoMexico’sDepartment ofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment.
Aguafrescawasafavoritechildhooddrink of Linares, who grew up near Minnesota’s TwinCities HermotherisfromMexicoand herfatherfromCuba Onweekends Linares’ familywoulddrivetodowntownMinneapolis or St Paul and shop at Latino markets for food ingredients that couldn’t be found wheretheylived.
“We would always get a treat while we were there,” she said. “Usually, we’d get
lunchandaguafresca.”Shefavoredaguade Jamaicabecauseofitssweet,tarttaste.
Agua de Jamaica, pronounced “ha-my-ca, has long graced the tables of Latinofamilies,neighborhoodmarketsand restaurants Tamarind,papaya,lime,lemon, orange,pineappleandwatermelonalsoare popularingredientsforaguafresca,butjust about any fruit and some vegetables can be used
Eating fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke research shows They also can help prevent other illnesses Takewatermelon,whichispacked with vitamins A, C and B6 Its antioxidants may help reduce the risk of diabetes, obesityandcardiovasculardisease,research suggests. Papaya, which is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, also may help prevent heartdisease.
Linares said the nutritional content in agua fresca can depend on the type of fruit used and how the drink is prepared. For instance, she said, the amount of fiber may change when most of the fruit pulp is strained.
A benefit of preparing your own agua frescaisthatthetypeandamountofsweetenercanbecontrolled,Linaressaid.It’swise to consider the total sugar content being consumed in one’s overall diet, she said. A high intake of food and beverages with addedsugarcancontributetoahigherriskof high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, coronaryheartdiseaseandobesity,studiesshow The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 6 teaspoons (25 grams) daily for most women and childrenover2,and9teaspoons(36grams)per dayformostmen.
Linares cautions about the added sugar andlossofhealthynutrientsincommercial aguas frescas. “When we’re talking about bottled or powder versions, we’re thinking about that more closely to a soda because we’remissingthevitaminsandmineralsand fiberfromthefruit.”
Sherecommendsthehomemadeversion for those who want to add agua fresca to their diet. For her, it’s not just a healthy, tastydrink.It’salsoonethatbringsbackfond childhoodmemories.
FALLS CHURCH, Va Is your child a recenthighschoolorcollegegraduate?You might be wondering how this affects their TRICAREeligibility
“Youngadultfamilymembers’TRICARE optionsdependontheirage,studentstatus, and a few other factors,” said Debra Fisher, TRICAREHealthPlanpolicyandprograms analyst at the Defense Health Agency “It’s important to know what these options are so that you and your child can choose the healthcoveragethatbestfitstheirneeds.
Learn how young adult family members canuseTRICARE
Adultchildrenareeligibletocontinuein their existing TRICARE coverage until at least age 21. College students may be eligible to stay in their existing TRICARE plan until they graduate or turn age 23—whichever is sooner They must be a full-time studentatanapprovedinstitutionofhigher learning, and their sponsor must provide more than 50% of their financial support. Besuretoupdatetheirstudentstatusinthe
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) If you have questions about your child’s eligibility, contact your local ID card office
Moving away for college is a TRICARE
Qualifying Life Event. This means the college student and other family members may be eligible to change TRICARE health plans within 90 days of the move Don’t forget to update your student’s address in DEERS If they’re eligible for TRICARE
Prime and TRICARE Select, some things to consider when choosing a plan are how far they are from home, their health needs, and costs Visit Going to College (https:// www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/College) to learnmore.
Mostyoungadultchildrenloseeligibility for regular TRICARE when they age out or graduate from college However, they may qualify for TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) if theymeetallofthesecriteria:
Unmarried adult child of an eligible uniformedservicesponsor At least age 21 (age 23 if a full-time student)butnotyetage26
ByAmericanHeartAssociationNewsWalkingisoneofthemostversatileforms of exercise, because you cando it just about anytime,anywhere.Thesetipswillhelpyou getyourwalkonattherighttimeforyou.
Like to move as soon as your feet hit the floor?
Before you go to bed, get your walking clothes and shoes ready so it’s easy to put themonquicklyandheadoutthedoor.
Eat a piece of fruit or a few spoonfuls of yogurtforaquickfuel-up
Walking to your favorite jams may help getyoumoving Justmakesureyoucanstill heartraffic.
Ifit’sstilldark,wearreflectiveclothingor carryalight.
Be sure to stretch a bit at the end of your walk.Watchamorningnewsshoworcheck youremailwhilestretching
Is lunchtime the only break in your busy day?
Schedule your lunchtime walk in your work calendar Think of it as an important appointment.
Keep everything you need for walking at work. This way you won’t find yourself saying“Iforgotmyshoes Ican’tgo.”
Recruit some coworkers to join you. You cankeepeachotherontrack.
Depending on your walking pace, the weatherandhowmuchyousweat,youmay be able to wear your work clothes and just put on athletic shoes Or you may prefer to changeintoat-shirt Incoolerweather,youmightneedajacket, hatorgloves.Ifyou’rewalkingbriskly,you’ll heatupinafewminutes sodon’toverdress
Bring your lunch or pick a route where youcangrabaquickhealthymealattheend ofyourwal
Ineligible to enroll in their own employer-sponsoredhealthplan
Ineligible for other TRICARE program coverage
Notamemberoftheuniformedservices TYAcoverageincludesmedicalandpharmacy benefits, but it doesn’t include dental or vision benefits How your child gets care withTYAdependsonwhethertheyenrollin TYAPrimeorTYASelect.Asoutlinedinthe TRICAREYoungAdultProgramFactSheet (download at https://www.tricare.mil/ Publications/Fact-Sheets/young_adult), eligibilityfortheseoptionsisbasedonsponsor status and where the child lives TYA has a monthly premium. Additional costs are based on whether they enroll in TYA Prime or TYA Select, their sponsor’s status, and where they receive care. To learn more about these costs, check out the TRICARE CompareCostsTool
Unlike with TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select plans TRICARE Open Seasondoesn’tapplytoTYA.Oncechildren showaseligibleforTYAinDEERS,theycan
purchase TYA coverage anytime They can also end TYA coverage at any time. Certain changes in status like turning age 26 or getting married will also cause their TYA coveragetoend.
Young adults may be eligible for temporaryhealthcoveragethroughtheContinued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) in eitherofthesesituations:
TheyloseeligibilityforregularTRICARE andtheydon’tqualifyforTYA
TheyloseeligibilityforTYA
Adult children who choose to purchase CHCBPmustdosowithin60daysoflosing TRICARE or TYA eligibility CHCBP is a premium-based plan, with coverage and other costs similar to those of TRICARE Select. Check out the TRICARE Compare CostsTooltolearnmore
EvenifeligibleforTYAorCHCBP,young adult children may have other health care coverage options Search the Health InsuranceMarketplacetofindoptionsthatarein your family’s budget and meet your child’s needs Your child may qualify for financial assistanceforcommercialhealthplansavailablethroughtheHealthInsuranceMarketplace They may also qualify for Medicaid coverage,dependingontheirstatusandthe statetheylivein
So before choosing a health plan be sure to research all your options If you’re a parent,involveyourchildindecidingwhich plan is right for them. If you have questions about your TRICARE plan options, talk to yourTRICAREcontractor
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates news andmore
Is
out after work your idea of happy hour?
Have a light snack about an hour or two beforeyouleavesoyoudon’texperiencean energy dip and talk yourself out of walking Try yogurt, a handful of almonds or a piece offruit.
Pickaroutewithoutheavytrafficbecause rushhourcanincreaseairpollutants
Do some shoulder rolls and other warmups to release the stress of the day before
headingout. If it’s already dark, wear reflective clothingorcarryalight.
Every Step Counts
Most adults should try for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) a week of moderate intensityactivity 30minutesofbriskwalking on at least five days a week is one way tomeetthisgoal.Butwhatifyou’resotight on time that you can’t spare a half hour every day? Then get creative and break
up your activity into shorter sessions For example:
In the morning, park or get off the bus/ train about 10 minutes away from your job andwalkbrisklytowork
At lunch, walk for 10 minutes around whereyouwork,indoorsoroutdoors
At the end of the day, walk briskly for 10 minutesbacktoyourcarorstation
And there you have an easy 30-minute daily workout! Remember exercise is any kindofphysicalactivitythatgetsyourheart rateup.
